It can be tough this path. You’d think being present and making the most of life is a simple thing. Well - actually it IS simple, it’s just that your opponent is a little tricky. And when I say “tough” I don’t mean it takes effort - but having the stubbornness of a mule is a useful trait to cultivate.
Your opponent? What do I mean? For sure, it’s not a battle but a game - the inner game. The foundation of your life has little to do with outside forces and everything to do with how you view it. When the best version of you is in charge, everything about life is peachy. When the opponent is in control, it’s tougher.

And like all your loved ones, your inner opponent knows precisely how to push your buttons. So you react like never before to the voice in your head. It knows exactly what you fear the most and exactly what you dislike the most, so it will bring it up as often as possible - usually at 2am when you’re exhausted and/or going through a tough life experience - perhaps a breakup or serious illness to someone you love.

This is what I know …

You will get there. You will get to a place where you can ignore each and every negative or overwhelming thought. You will.

The biggest spoiler of all is that everything turns out ok. It does.
But your job is to simply keep going. To focus on what you want to grow. Stay as present as you can - you will get distracted but with all the gentle stubbornness in the world, jump back on track.

Know and expect the inner voice of doom and gloom and worry. Give her or him a name - it’s your pet monkey and it’s a little nervous right now. It isn’t even your opponent, it’s something that needs reassuring, to feel safe - that’s all.

One step at a time and you will get there. Just keep going. Especially when times are tough, you may feel like giving up, that you’ll never get there - just make it about one moment at a time. You can manage the greatest of challenges, one step at a time.